The funeral was held on Saturday at the Kestell Multipurpose Centre. Didiza, who was accompanied by the provincial Department of Agriculture’s MEC, Thembeni Nxangisa, addressed the media after the funeral.

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Didiza shared that government has developed a rural safety strategy which is being implemented. However, she highlighted that collaboration between farmers, the farming communities, rural communities and the police is central in the implementation of this strategy, in order to ensure the protection of communities.

LEES OOK: ‘Nou het ek nie meer ‘n rede om te boer nie’

The minister further highlighted the importance of communities working with the police on an ongoing basis, and for them to provide necessary information that will enable the police to intervene on time, “before incidents such as this happen”.

Didiza also commended the police’s swift reaction and the quick apprehension of the suspects, identified as Kamohelo Motankisi and Lerato Selepe. They were arrested within 24 hours after the crime was reported, outside the Bohlokong township at Bethlehem.

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She further expressed she hopes the justice system will make sure that the perpetrators receive the maximum sentence that is equal to the crimes committed.

Didiza condemned the recent gun violence incidents and murders that have been reported in urban and rural areas around the country.

ALSO READ: #KestellFarmMurder: Free State premier to visit victims’ families

“This is a concern for us, and that is why the Minister of Police, [Bheki Cele], and the entirety of government are actually stepping up our reaction system to make sure that we address such issues.

“Again, communities are central and part and parcel of developing safety and security in our communities. That’s why we have always said, community police forums (CPF) are important because it brings communities and police together in being able to address the issues of crime at community level.”

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Meanwhile, the suspects will reappear in the Kestell Magistrate's Court on 14 September. This follows after they abandoned their bail application on 20 July. They remain in police custody.

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